Users are a key component in any information
system. Thus, protecting users is just as important
as protecting hardware, software, and data.
The widespread use of computers has led to
some important user health concerns. Users
should be proactive and minimize their chance
of risk. The following sections discuss health
risks and preventions, along with measures users
can take to keep the environment healthy.
Computers and Health Risks
A repetitive strain injury (RSI) is an injury
or disorder of the muscles, nerves, tendons,
ligaments, and joints. Computer-related RSIs
include tendonitis and carpal tunnel syndrome.
RSIs are the largest job-related injury and
illness problem in the United States today.
For this reason, OSHA (Occupa tional Safety
and Health Administration) has developed
industry-specific and task-specific guidelines
designed to prevent workplace injuries with
respect to computer usage.
Tendonitis is inflammation of a tendon due
to repeated motion or stress on that tendon.
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is inflammation of
the nerve that connects the forearm to the palm
of the wrist. Repeated or forceful bending of the
wrist can cause CTS or tendonitis of the wrist.
Symptoms of tendonitis of the wrist include
extreme pain that extends from the forearm to the
hand, along with tingling in the fingers. Symptoms
of CTS include burning pain when the nerve is
compressed, along with numbness and tingling in
the thumb and first two fingers.
Long-term computer work can lead to tendonitis
or CTS. Factors that cause these disorders
include prolonged typing, prolonged mouse
usage, or continual shifting between the mouse
and the keyboard. If untreated, these disorders
can lead to permanent physical damage.
You can take many precautions to prevent these
types of injuries. Take frequent breaks during the
computer session to exercise your hands and arms
(Figure 11-24). To prevent injury due to typing,
place a wrist rest between the keyboard and the
edge of your desk. To prevent injury while using
a mouse, place the mouse at least six inches from
the edge of the desk. In this position, your wrist is
flat on the desk. Finally, minimize the number of
times you switch between the mouse and the keyboard,
and avoid using the heel of your hand as a
pivot point while typing or using the mouse.
Another type of health-related condition due to
computer usage is computer vision syndrome
(CVS). You may have CVS if you have sore, tired,
burning, itching, or dry eyes; blurred or double
vision; distance blurred vision after prolonged
staring at a display device; headache or sore neck;
difficulty shifting focus between a display device
and documents; difficulty focusing on the screen
image; color fringes or after-images when you
look away from the display device; and increased
sensitivity to light. Eyestrain associated with CVS
is not thought to have serious or long-term consequences.
Figure 11-25 outlines some techniques
you can follow to ease eyestrain.
People who spend their workday using the
computer sometimes complain of lower back
pain, muscle fatigue, and emotional fatigue.
Lower back pain sometimes is caused from
poor posture. Always sit properly in the chair
while you work. To alleviate back pain, muscle
fatigue, and emotional fatigue, take a 15- to
30-minute break every 2 hours — stand up,
walk around, stretch, and relax. Another way to
help prevent these injuries is to be sure your
workplace is designed ergonomically.
system. Thus, protecting users is just as important
as protecting hardware, software, and data.
The widespread use of computers has led to
should be proactive and minimize their chance
of risk. The following sections discuss health
risks and preventions, along with measures users
can take to keep the environment healthy.
Computers and Health Risks
A repetitive strain injury (RSI) is an injury
or disorder of the muscles, nerves, tendons,
ligaments, and joints. Computer-related RSIs
include tendonitis and carpal tunnel syndrome.
RSIs are the largest job-related injury and
illness problem in the United States today.
For this reason, OSHA (Occupa tional Safety
and Health Administration) has developed
industry-specific and task-specific guidelines
designed to prevent workplace injuries with
respect to computer usage.
Tendonitis is inflammation of a tendon due
to repeated motion or stress on that tendon.
the nerve that connects the forearm to the palm
of the wrist. Repeated or forceful bending of the
wrist can cause CTS or tendonitis of the wrist.
Symptoms of tendonitis of the wrist include
extreme pain that extends from the forearm to the
hand, along with tingling in the fingers. Symptoms
of CTS include burning pain when the nerve is
compressed, along with numbness and tingling in
the thumb and first two fingers.
Long-term computer work can lead to tendonitis
or CTS. Factors that cause these disorders
include prolonged typing, prolonged mouse
usage, or continual shifting between the mouse
and the keyboard. If untreated, these disorders
can lead to permanent physical damage.
You can take many precautions to prevent these
types of injuries. Take frequent breaks during the
computer session to exercise your hands and arms
(Figure 11-24). To prevent injury due to typing,
place a wrist rest between the keyboard and the
edge of your desk. To prevent injury while using
a mouse, place the mouse at least six inches from
the edge of the desk. In this position, your wrist is
flat on the desk. Finally, minimize the number of
times you switch between the mouse and the keyboard,
and avoid using the heel of your hand as a
pivot point while typing or using the mouse.
Another type of health-related condition due to
computer usage is computer vision syndrome
(CVS). You may have CVS if you have sore, tired,
burning, itching, or dry eyes; blurred or double
vision; distance blurred vision after prolonged
staring at a display device; headache or sore neck;
difficulty shifting focus between a display device
and documents; difficulty focusing on the screen
image; color fringes or after-images when you
look away from the display device; and increased
sensitivity to light. Eyestrain associated with CVS
is not thought to have serious or long-term consequences.
Figure 11-25 outlines some techniques
you can follow to ease eyestrain.
People who spend their workday using the
computer sometimes complain of lower back
Lower back pain sometimes is caused from
poor posture. Always sit properly in the chair
while you work. To alleviate back pain, muscle
fatigue, and emotional fatigue, take a 15- to
30-minute break every 2 hours — stand up,
walk around, stretch, and relax. Another way to
help prevent these injuries is to be sure your
workplace is designed ergonomically.
Hi. I’m Designer of Blog Magic. I’m CEO/Founder of ThemeXpose. I’m Creative Art Director, Web Designer, UI/UX Designer, Interaction Designer, Industrial Designer, Web Developer, Business Enthusiast, StartUp Enthusiast, Speaker, Writer and Photographer. Inspired to make things looks better.
Thanks so much for the information. I’ve now bookmarked your site in my favorites for the future! Thanks again. IT Support Northampton
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